Recent Posts
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Diversifying revenue streams on the farm is something those of us in agriculture hear a lot about today. The old adage, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” can be applied today for farmers being able to remain competitive and have fallback plans if they experience crop failures or a drop in market prices.…
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Starting a backyard chicken flock is no small task. While many considerations should be taken into account before starting down this path, it is hard to match the insights you will gain from producing your own food. When considering buying chickens, it is important to check your local city ordinances and HOA to ensure you…
Posted in: Farming -
Ah… it’s that time of the year when the pesky beetles are here in full force. These resilient insects have been present in the U.S. since 1916 and have wreaked havoc in lawns and gardens ever since. Known as one of the most devastating plant pests in the Eastern U.S., the warm sunny climate in…
Posted in: Gardening -
The occurrence of aquatic weeds and algal blooms are as much a part of summer as eating watermelon and grilling. Aquatic plants are usually viewed as a nuisance by pond owners, however many of these plants are necessary for healthy fish habitats. Vegetated areas hold more fish than weed-free waters, but sometimes invasive pond weeds…
Posted in: Pond Management -
You might have heard the old saying, “there ain’t nothin better in life than true love and a homegrown tomato.” It’s that time of year again where we get to delight in those plump red tomatoes, but the heat and humidity of Georgia summers may put a damper on the fun. While many tomato varieties…
Posted in: Gardening -
The tiny yet mighty creatures that buzz around in our gardens are responsible for pollinating nearly 80 percent of flowering plants around the world. Although honey bees tend to get all of the attention, there are over 200,000 species of animal pollinators that contribute to healthy ecosystems. Many of the fruits, vegetables and nuts grown…
Posted in: Gardening -
The summer months do not bring much off time for beef cattle producers. From preparing for winter forage to managing grazing, beef cattle producers can benefit from trying new strategies. When cutting hay in the summer, producers should prepare to have one to one and a half tons of hay per cow to be stored…
Posted in: Farming -
Farm injuries are most common in the summer months during production and harvest. Every day, nearly 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time accident. Fortunately, most farm injuries and fatalities are preventable if proper safety practices are followed. One of the biggest dangers on a farm is misuse of heavy machinery. Always be alert and take…
Posted in: Safety -
Does your lawn have yellow patches, brown spots or wilted flowers? If so, you may be overwatering. One of the most common problems with home lawns and gardens is overwatering that can lead to root damage. The current drought in Northeast Georgia can make us feel the need to water more often, but there are…
Posted in: Gardening -
Heat is not the only thing the month of June brings us. For gardeners, this month delivers a bountiful harvest of produce such as blueberries, cucumbers and peppers. After eating “high on the hog,” it is important to get busy in the garden to take care of the chores the hot weather brings in. To…
Posted in: Gardening